Book with an Expert (647) 946-8249
Sign Up
Sign In
Book with an Expert (647) 946-8249
Sign Up
Sign In
Most Instagrammable Places in Madeira: 20 Photo Spots

Most Instagrammable Places in Madeira: 20 Photo Spots

The 20 most Instagrammable places in Madeira, from Fanal's misty forest to Seixal, the Guindaste viewpoint and the Porto Moniz pools.

MP
Mariana Pavão

May 25, 2020 • 3 min read

Most Instagrammable Places in Madeira: 20 Photo Spots

The most Instagrammable places in Madeira, in short

Quick answer: Madeira is one of the most photogenic islands in Europe. The best photo spots include the misty Fanal forest, the Guindaste and Eira do Serrado viewpoints, the Véu da Noiva and Risco waterfalls, Seixal's black-sand beach, the Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo ridge, and the Porto Moniz natural pools. Early morning gives the best light and the fewest crowds. 

 

Three travelers take a selfie in front of Risco Waterfall in Rabaçal, Madeira, Portugal. The tall cascade flows over dark volcanic rock surrounded by dense Laurisilva vegetation along the Levada do Risco hiking route.
Risco Waterfall, Rabaçal, Portugal ©Ricardo Faria Paulino

20 photo spots in Madeira

  1. Cascata do Risco (Rabaçal): a tall waterfall reached on the beautiful Rabaçal trails, deep in the laurel forest.
  2. Véu da Noiva viewpoint and waterfall: the "bridal veil" falls tumbling toward the sea on the north coast.
  3. Fanal Forest: ancient, gnarled laurel trees wrapped in mist, the island's most atmospheric spot.
  4. Miradouro da Beira da Quinta: a dramatic north-coast viewpoint over cliffs and ocean.
  5. Seixal: a black-sand beach and green cliffs streaked with waterfalls.
  6. Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo: the ridge hike above the clouds, the classic Madeira sunrise shot.
  7. Ponta de São Lourenço: the bare, red-and-ochre peninsula at the island's eastern tip.
  8. Cascata dos Anjos: the waterfall that falls onto the old coast road near Ponta do Sol.
  9. Monte Palace Tropical Garden: tiled terraces, koi ponds and lush planting above Funchal.
  10. Miradouro do Guindaste: a striking cliff-edge platform on the north coast.
  11. Santana: the famous triangular, thatched A-frame houses.
  12. Ponta do Bode: a quiet viewpoint over the reservoir and mountains.
  13. Porto Moniz natural pools: volcanic rock pools filled by the Atlantic.
  14. Levada do Caldeirão Verde: a levada walk to a waterfall through tunnels and forest.
  15. Madeira Botanical Garden (Funchal): geometric flower beds and views over the bay.
  16. Cabo Girão: the glass skywalk high above the sea, one of Europe's highest sea cliffs.
  17. Miradouro da Portela: sweeping views over the eastern hills and coast.
  18. Cascata das 25 Fontes (Rabaçal): the "25 springs" waterfall and pool, a favourite levada walk.
  19. Miradouro da Eira do Serrado: the balcony view down into the valley village of Curral das Freiras.
  20. Ilhéus da Ribeira da Janela: the sea stacks rising off the beach on the northwest coast.

 

View across the geometric flower beds of the Madeira Botanical Garden in Funchal, Portugal, with palm trees, tropical plants, and the city stretching toward the Atlantic Ocean. The elevated garden combines patterned landscaping with wide views over Madeira’s capital.View across the geometric flower beds of the Madeira Botanical Garden in Funchal, Portugal, with palm trees, tropical plants, and the city stretching toward the Atlantic Ocean. The elevated garden combines patterned landscaping with wide views over Madeira’s capital.
Madeira Botanical Garden, Funchal, Portugal

Tips for the best photos

  • Go early: morning light is softest and the popular spots and viewpoints are quiet before the tour buses arrive.
  • Pack for the weather: the north and the high peaks are often misty or wet, which can make for moody shots but needs a rain cover.
  • Chase the clouds: at Pico do Areeiro you are often above the cloud line, so a bright coast does not always mean clear peaks, and vice versa.
  • Rent a car: most of these spots are spread around the island, so having a car makes them far easier to reach. See our guide to driving and parking in Madeira.

 

A hiker photographs a waterfall surrounded by dense forest in Madeira, Portugal. The close-up view focuses on the traveler and camera, with the cascade softly visible in the background.
Waterfall Photography, Madeira, Portugal

Frequently asked questions about Madeira photo spots

What is the most Instagrammable place in Madeira?
Where are the best photo spots in Madeira?
When is the best time of day for photos in Madeira?
Do you need a car to reach Madeira's photo spots?
Is the Fanal forest worth visiting?

Ready to Capture Madeira?

Portugal Getaways plans your Madeira trip with local experts: hand-picked hotels, tours and transfers to reach every viewpoint, with all-in pricing and no surprises.

See Madeira Trips Build a Custom Trip
 

Keep reading